The ‘five second rule’ suggests that food dropped on the ground is still safe to eat if it is picked up after five seconds. Though long dismissed as wishful thinking, researchers at Aston University in England have now demonstrated that this rule may be more than just a myth.
In a study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, researchers dropped various pieces of food ? including toast, pasta, ham, a sticky dessert and dried fruit ? on the floor and allowed it to sit there for three to 30 seconds. Various floor surfaces were tested including carpet, laminate and tile.
Overall, the researchers concluded that the faster a person picks up dropped food, the safer it will be to eat ? provided that he or she reacts within five seconds of dropping the food.
I ? Word Understanding
Microbiology ? a study of bacteria and viruses
Conclude ? to decide (make an opinion) after a period of research
II ? Have Your Say
1. Arguments about the 5-second rule:
? A clean-looking floor isn’t necessarily clean
? Fast is better, but it may not be fast enough
2. Leftovers are safe to eat until they smell bad
3. In the United States, approximately 3,000 people die each year of illnesses associated with food poisoning.
220 Is the ‘5 second rule’ for picking up dropped food safe?
